The Program

This exchange program is open to all majors, with particular interest to students in Entertainment and Arts Management. Drexel students have the opportunity for full immersion in Scottish culture by taking classes with local students and becoming involved in Napier campus life. Edinburgh Napier University is rated in the Top 10 universities for employability in the UK, and is one of the largest higher education institutions in Scotland with almost 18,000 students from 109 countries on campus. It is focused on offering industry informed courses which combine the optimum balance of theory and practice, to equip graduates for success in today's competitive global job market.

The Academics

Drexel students can select classes (known as "modules") from any of Napier's faculties and schools, providing a diverse and flexible learning experience. At Scottish universities, students normally take only 3 courses per semester, but each course covers more content and is worth more credits. So students should plan carefully and be sure to have their Napier courses pre-approved for 5 - 6 Drexel credits each, to account for the additional content covered in each course. (For example, most courses at Napier are worth 5 US semester credits).

It's helpful to review the module catalogue and discuss any questions with Drexel Study Abroad Office.

*Please be aware that class selection cannot be confirmed until you arrive at Napier to begin your studies. Napier will try to ensure that you can enroll for your preferred list of courses, but students are strongly advised to have alternative courses in mind and should remain somewhat flexible.

Course Approvals: As part of the application process, students are required to have Drexel equivalent course numbers and credit approved by the appropriate Drexel department. For example, to take a Literature course abroad for Drexel credit, the course equivalent must be pre-approved by Drexel’s English Department. The best way to receive full credit is to request a 2 - 3 credit independent study corresponding with each of your pre-approved courses to make up the additional credit. An alternative is to request that the course be approved as Special Topics in that subject for the appropriate credit value. For further explanation, please schedule a study abroad advising appointment.

EAM Pre-approved Napier Courses: Napier courses for EAM majors have been pre-selected an approved by Drexel EAM Department. Review the course descriptions and contact Dr. Xela Batchelder for feedback on which courses are best suited for your EAM concentration.

Credits and Grading: Students are taught and graded by local faculty at their host university. Grades are noted as "CR/NCR" on their transcript and will NOT affect their GPA. In order to receive CR, students must earn a "C" or above. Students must take a course load that fits within the full time credit range of both their host university (varies) and Drexel (12 – 20 credits). Students are strongly discouraged from taking the minimum credit requirement.

Program Calendar

Fall term start: September 9, 2013Fall term end: December 21, 2013

*Students may have to request early departure from summer co-op in order to arrive on time for Napier orientation activities.

The Experience

Edinburgh is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, described by Robert Louis Stevenson as "a dream in masonry and living rock." The city is the capital of Scotland, the seat of the Scottish parliament and government, and the largest city by area and the second largest by population in the country. It has a Medieval Old Town and a planned Georgian New Town. It is nicknamed The Athens of the North, a name inspired by the great thinkers of the Scottish Enlightenment, a city of high culture, of art and literature, philosophy and science. It is a city of festivals, hosting the largest arts festival in the world each August according to the Guiness Book of World Records.

Housing: The two main options for housing in Edinburgh are Napier university residences or a property in the private sector, which caters to a range of budgets. The benefit of staying in Napier housing is meeting new friends and being more exposed to campus social life. Review the Napier Accomodation website for more information. Students are responsible for paying the costs of housing directly, rather than through Drexel.Visa: US citizens are not required to apply for a student visa, rather will enter as a student visitor. Students of other nationalities should check the UK Border Agency to confirm whether a visa is required.

Money Matters

Students are billed their normal Drexel tuition and keep all financial aid during their term abroad. Please refer to the program Budget Sheet for cost details. If you receive Federal Work Study, consider applying for the Study Abroad Online Journalist work study position (only available to students after accepted into the program). To seek additional funding, review the Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Students who receive Federal Pell Grant should apply for the Gilman Scholarship. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly.